Bihar Map

The Bihar Map shows the location, boundaries, districts, administrative divisions, major cities, rivers and other important geographical features of Bihar in eastern India. Bihar has 38 districts grouped into 9 administrative divisions and shares its boundaries with Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, West Bengal to the east and Nepal to the north. Located largely in the fertile Gangetic Plain, Bihar is shaped by the Ganga and several other major rivers, including the Gandak, Kosi and Son. The map helps users locate Bihar on the India map and understand its administrative divisions, neighbouring regions and key geographical features. Where Is Bihar Located? Bihar is located in eastern India, in the fertile plains of the Ganga River. It shares its boundaries with Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, West Bengal to the east and Nepal to the north. The Ganga flows from west to east through the state, dividing it into broad northern and southern plains. Its location and river systems have played an important role in shaping Bihar’s geography, agriculture and settlements.

Bihar

Bihar is situated in the eastern part of India and is the third largest state in terms of population and 12th in area in the country. According to the 2011 Census, the area of the state is around 94,163 km² (36,357 sq mi). The southern part of Bihar became the new state of Jharkhand on 15th November 2000.

The state has 38 districts and shares borders with Uttar Pradesh in the west, Nepal in the north, West Bengal in the east and Jharkhand in the south. Bihar is of great importance when it comes to Indian mapping, linking the northern and eastern parts of the nation. The Bihar location makes it an important region for understanding eastern India’s geography.

As a state in India, Bihar lies on the fertile banks of the river Ganga, has been home to some of the world's earliest civilizations, has some of the most religiously significant sites, and is also a place rich in cultural heritage.

History

Bihar has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was once a centre of learning, culture and political influence in India. Bihar was the birthplace of several powerful kingdoms and empires and also had its own share in Indian history.

During the Mahajanapada period in India (6th century BCE – 4th century BCE), the kingdom of Magadha was one of the 16 ancient states of India, located in the current state of Bihar. Subsequently, Magadha grew under strong rulers and was a base for the formation of great empires such as the Mauryan Empire. The empire extended over much of India and beyond under Emperor Ashoka's rule.

Buddhism is also an important aspect of Bihar. The place where Gautama Buddha got enlightened under the Bodhi tree is Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The State is home to some of the world's oldest learning centres, where scholars from all over the world used to come to study at Nalanda University and Vikramshila University.

Bihar underwent changes under different rulers during the medieval period. After the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the East India Company strengthened its political control over Bihar, which remained part of the Bengal Presidency under British rule. Bihar and Odisha were separated from the Bengal Presidency in 1912, and in 1936, Bihar and Odisha were made separate provinces. Bihar continued as a province of British India until independence in 1947 and became a state of independent India.

Economy

Bihar is one of the fastest-growing states in India. The farming sector still plays a significant role in the state economy, and the number of people engaged in farming activities is considerable. Bihar is one of the important states of India in producing Vegetables and also in Horticulture and Fruit production.

Because of its fertile land and favourable climate, the state has various crops and fruits. Bihar has also seen progress in the industrial sector, apart from agriculture. Barauni Oil Refinery and power projects in Muzaffarpur help to promote industrial development.

Fatuha is an important industrial area in the Patna region, with manufacturing and other industrial activities. Bharat Petroleum LPG bottling plant is also functional in Fatuha. Bihar is also famous for sugar industries, which make a significant contribution to the economy of the state.

Geography of Bihar

Location and Extent
Bihar is located in eastern India and lies mainly in the fertile Ganga Plain. It shares borders with Nepal to the north and Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal on its other sides.

Physical Features
The Ganga River divides Bihar into northern and southern plains. The state is predominantly flat, with the Himalayan foothills influencing the geography of northern Bihar and the Jharkhand plateau shaping parts of the south.

Major Rivers
The Ganga is Bihar's principal river. Other major rivers include the Gandak, Kosi, Son, Punpun, Bagmati, Kamla and Mahananda. These rivers support agriculture but also contribute to seasonal flooding in parts of the state.

Climate
Bihar has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers, a monsoon season from June to September and cool winters. Most of the state's rainfall occurs during the southwest monsoon.

Soil and Agriculture
Bihar has extensive fertile alluvial soils, particularly across the Ganga Plain. Agriculture is an important part of the state's economy, with rice, wheat, maize, pulses, sugarcane, fruits and vegetables among the major crops.

Places of Attraction

Historical, cultural and religious tourism are popular in Bihar. There are several ancient monuments, archaeological sites and religious sites in the State which represent its splendid legacy.

Important tourist places in Bihar are:

1. Bodh Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple: An important Buddhist pilgrimage site.
2. Bodhi Tree: Traditionally identified as the place where Gautama Buddha got enlightened.
3. Nalanda ruins: Ruins of the ancient centre of learning.
4. Vikramshila Monastery at Bhagalpur
5. Barabar Caves: a historic site and one of the oldest rock-cut caves in India.
6. Tomb of Sher Shah Suri.
7. The ruins in the ancient city of Vaishali
8. Buddha Smriti Park in Patna
9. Takht Sri Patna Sahib: a significant religious edifice of the Sikhs, and it is related to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The various attractions make Bihar an important place to explore the cultural and historical aspects of Bihar.

Language

Hindi is the official language of Bihar, and Urdu is recognized as the second official language. There are a number of regional languages widely used throughout the state, such as Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, Bajjika and Angika.

Maithili is listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and is one of the constitutionally recognized languages of India. These languages are a reflection of Bihar's cultural diversity.

Education

Bihar has a rich educational legacy with some of the world's oldest centres of learning. The state now has some significant educational institutions that provide higher education and research.

The major educational institutions in Bihar are:

1. Indian Institute of Technology, Patna
2. National Institute of Technology, Patna
3. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna
4. Patna University
5. Aryabhatta Knowledge University
6. Bihar Agricultural University
7. Dr B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University
8. Mahatma Gandhi Central University

These institutions help to develop education and research within the state.

Bihar Map with Districts

The updated district map of Bihar shows the district boundaries, division-wise district distribution, names of all districts of Bihar, major cities and administrative centres of Bihar.

Bihar is divided into nine administrative divisions:

1. Patna Division
2. Saran Division
3. Tirhut Division
4. Darbhanga Division
5. Kosi Division
6. Purnia Division
7. Bhagalpur Division
8. Munger Division
9. Magadh Division

Bihar Map Showing Major Cities

Bihar City Map shows the major cities of Bihar state in the country and their importance in administration, education, trade and tourism. The Bihar cities section helps users identify important urban areas and understand the importance of different cities in Bihar.

Patna

Patna is the capital of Bihar and is one of the oldest cities inhabited continuously in the world. It is the administrative, educational and economic hub of the state.

Gaya

Gaya is a well-known religious city which is famous for Bodh Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple. It is a Buddhist holy place and a tourist destination for pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

Muzaffarpur

Muzaffarpur is one of the important trade centres of Bihar and is well known for its production of Shahi Litchi.

Bhagalpur

Bhagalpur is famous for its silk industry and is termed the “Silk City of India”. It is also an important educational and cultural centre.

Darbhanga

Darbhanga is also known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional music, and it is an important historic city in the Mithila region.

Purnia

Purnia is an important city in the north-east of Bihar and is a major trade and agricultural hub.

Bihar District Information

A detailed Bihar district map with information helps users quickly understand the administrative structure, district locations, and important regional divisions of the state.

The table below provides information on selected districts of Bihar, including their headquarters and administrative divisions.

District	Headquarters	Division
Patna	Patna	Patna
Gaya	Gaya	Magadh
Nalanda	Bihar Sharif	Patna
Muzaffarpur	Muzaffarpur	Tirhut
Bhagalpur	Bhagalpur	Bhagalpur
Darbhanga	Darbhanga	Darbhanga
Purnia	Purnia	Purnia
Saran	Chhapra	Saran
Munger	Munger	Munger
Vaishali	Hajipur	Tirhut

A Bihar district map with information helps users quickly understand the administrative structure, district locations, and important regional divisions of the state.

Bihar at a Glance

Bihar State Information
Capital	Patna
Date of formation	22 March 1912
Governor	Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.)
Chief Minister	Samrat Choudhary
Tourist attractions	Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Pawapuri, Bodh Gaya, Vikramshila, Gaya, the ancient city of Patliputra
Festivals	Chhatth Puja, Sama-Chakeva, Nag Panchami
Major dance and music forms	Jat-Jatin dance of the Mithila region, Bidesia, the songs of Vidyapati, Chau Tribal dances
Arts and crafts	Madhubani painting; Sikki grass craft. Grass is used to make baskets, toys, dolls, etc; Sujini kantha embroidery is a specialisation of Bihar.
Languages	Hindi, Urdu, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi, Angika, Bajjika and other regional languages
Size	94,163 sq. km
Population (Census 2011)	104099452
Rivers	Kosi, Ganga, Saryu, Gandak, Kamla, Panar, Saura, Pun-pun
Forests and wildlife sanctuaries	Valmiki NP, Rajgir WS, Bhimbandh WS, Gautam Buddha WS, Udayapur WS
State animal	Gaur (Mithun)
State bird	House sparrow
State flower	Kachnar (Phanera variegata)
State tree	Peepal
Major crops	Paddy, wheat, maize
Factoids	The Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya is traditionally identified with the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
	Nalanda University, a seat of Buddhist learning, was founded around the 5th century AD by King Kumaragupta I
No. of Districts	38

FAQs

Q1: Where is Bihar located in India?
Bihar is located in eastern India. It shares boundaries with Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, West Bengal to the east and Nepal to the north.

Q2: How many districts are there in Bihar?
Bihar has 38 districts, which are grouped into 9 administrative divisions. A Bihar district map shows the location and boundaries of these districts.

Q3: Which states and country border Bihar?
Bihar shares its boundaries with Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal and has an international border with Nepal to the north.

Q4: What are the major rivers shown on the Bihar map?
The major rivers of Bihar include the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Son, Punpun, Bagmati, Kamla and Mahananda. These rivers are important features of the state's geography and agriculture.

Q5: What does a Bihar district map show?
A Bihar district map shows the state's 38 districts and their administrative boundaries, helping users locate individual districts and understand their position within Bihar.

Q6: What are the main geographical features of Bihar?
Bihar is predominantly part of the Ganga Plain. The Ganga divides the state into broad northern and southern plains, while its tributaries, fertile alluvial soils and relatively flat terrain are major geographical features.

Maps in Other Regional Languages

• View Bihar Map in Malayalam
• View Bihar Map in Hindi

Last Updated on: July 13, 2026